The remaining guards and maids looked at Yun Xiao with fear in their eyes.
They knew that the eldest young lady had always been spoiled and bossy, and this time she had finally met her match. This woman was perhaps even more formidable than her. If she were to marry the Manor Lord in the future, wouldn't they all be in for an even worse time? For a moment, no one dared to make a move.
It wasn't until Yun Xiao waved her hand casually, as if nothing had happened.
"Disperse."
She led Wan Wan back, recalling Murong Yingxue's injury. The corner of her lips twitched slightly, a hint of helplessness. Perhaps many people in the manor resented her.
But Murong Yingxue's malicious intent, completely disregarding consequences, surely deserved punishment. If the people in the manor had grown accustomed to it and didn't care, that was one thing. But if Murong were to become Emperor, could she still indulge her malicious acts that could lead to death?
What would happen in such a situation? That was why she had stepped in to severely injure her, hoping she would learn a lesson and truly reflect. If it hadn't been her today, but someone else, then the only outcome would have been falling victim to her schemes. Were those people meant to die?
How hateful! However, considering her father had once saved Murong, as long as she never provoked her again, she would spare her.
Yun Xiao returned to Xin Lan Yuan in silence. Wan Wan couldn't help but speak indignantly.
"This woman is truly venomous. If Master hadn't practiced the Sixteen Steps of Piercing Clouds movement technique, and if Young Master Murong hadn't given Master the diagrams, she would have fallen for it today. Murong Yingxue knew exactly what was beneath. If others weren't careful, their faces would be ruined, and at worst, their lives would be forfeit."
"Enough, let's not talk about her. She's nauseating. It seems we need to leave this place as soon as possible."
Yun Xiao raised her eyebrows, gazing at the azure sky. She hoped for the clouds to clear and the sun to shine soon, so their family could see the light of day again. Compared to emotions, she craved freedom even more.
"Mm."
Master and servant leisurely returned to their residence, Xin Lan Yuan, as if the recent events had been forgotten.
However, everything that had just happened, through the exaggerated descriptions of two maids.
The entire manor learned that Yun Xiao was an outright shrew who bullied their eldest young lady, and that the Manor Lord had also changed his affections. The young lady was so pitiful.
Murong Yingxue, who was always detested, instantly became a pitiable victim at this moment, garnering sympathy.
But Yun Xiao couldn't be bothered by anything happening in the mountain manor. She returned to Xin Lan Yuan to sleep, ignoring the earth-shattering changes outside. She would only enter the palace once Murong's imperial token arrived.
Although this place was beautiful with its scenic mountains, having such a despicable adopted sister truly dampened her spirits.
No matter what, she was Murong's adopted sister, and that couldn't be changed. Murong was saved by her father, and that also couldn't be changed. That was why she had spared her. She hoped they would live in peace from now on, but that seemed difficult.
When she got up in the evening, a visitor arrived.
It was Prince Lin, Shangguan Lin. After so many days, this was their first time meeting alone.
Yun Xiao looked curiously at Shangguan Lin, who was seated below. The man was still somber, dressed in black brocade robes embroidered with golden rose edges, a very ostentatious and domineering appearance.
Although Prince Lin was domineering and sharp, compared to Murong, he lacked Murong's bloodlust, ruthlessness, iron-blooded methods, and the wisdom and meticulousness in his actions.
Everything Murong possessed had been forged through the tempering of fire; it was not inherent. Anyone would likely prefer not to have gone through such experiences and pain.
"May I know why Your Highness has come to see me?"
Yun Xiao gestured for Shangguan Lin to drink tea, and then took a sip of fragrant tea herself.
The delicate fragrance wafted, and the candlelight in the hall flickered. Wan Wan quietly withdrew to the door to guard.
Wan Wan was utterly bewildered, wondering what the mysterious Prince Lin was up to. Since Master had ordered Liu Xing and Zhui Yue to remain hidden, these two practically never appeared, so she was the only one guarding the door.
Shangguan Lin picked up the white jade and celadon cup, his large hand lightly lifting the tea lid. The steaming aroma rose, and his palms were full of sweat. He even felt a feverishness in his body.
This was the first time he was alone with her, and his heart was actually a little nervous. He had almost forgotten what he was supposed to say. He gulped down a large mouthful of tea.
Yun Xiao found him somewhat amusing. This Prince Lin was truly interesting. Although he appeared extremely cold on the outside, his heart was as pure as a maiden's. Such a person deserved to be treated by a good woman.
Yun Xiao suddenly smiled with a hint of mischief, as if seeing something for herself to do in the future.
Murong had so many talented young men under him. As an idle person, she naturally had nothing better to do than meddle in other people's affairs. Shangguan Lin, seated opposite her, felt a chill creep up his spine after his initial nervousness. Since meeting this woman, nothing had gone right for him. First, he had been played like a fool in the palace, and then they parted ways at Fengya Pass.
Because he admired her character, he even began to doubt if he was gay. But later, she had turned into Leng Yue.
He had treated her like a brother, only to discover in the end that this woman had deceived him time and time again. He should have blamed her and resolutely ignored her thereafter.
Yet, when she truly encountered trouble, he couldn't just stand by and watch. He truly didn't understand what was happening to him.
Shangguan Lin cleared his throat, composed himself, and took a serious look at Yun Xiao before speaking to her earnestly.
"Mo Ruoyan came to see me today and subtly inquired about you. You should be wary of her."
Thinking about how this woman had deceived him, he felt an inexplicable sense of disgust, which was different from the feeling of being deceived by Yun Xiao.
Yun Xiao's deception was unintentional, saying whatever was necessary for the situation at hand. But this woman had deliberately deceived him, even pretending to be willing to marry him.
It wasn't until last night that he truly witnessed her intention to marry his elder brother, her master. It had all been a ploy back then.
He had truly underestimated her cunning. Therefore, as soon as he heard her probing about Yun Xiao, he had dismissed her.
He hadn't intended to get involved, and he believed that with Yun Xiao's character, she wouldn't easily be harmed by that woman. However, his worry compelled him to warn her once before he could feel at ease.
Now, with his elder brother absent from this manor, he had to be even more vigilant to prevent any scoundrels from harming her.
As the saying goes, a gentleman's actions are clear, but a villain's intentions are hard to guard against.
"I know. I will guard against this woman."